Is your dream design feeling constrained by a compact bedroom in your Seattle home? You’re not alone — the average bedroom size is about 132 square feet and can accommodate a queen-size bed. Don't fret, our design experts here to help. Many homeowners face the challenge of maximizing space in their primary suites, especially in bustling cities like Seattle. However, with the right design strategies and a touch of creativity, you can transform your small bedroom into a spacious retreat that exudes style and functionality. Keep reading for a few of our favorite clever tips and tricks to sneak in storage and choose the perfect color palette to create a sense of openness, plus additional tricks to make your space feel taller.
3 Small Bedroom Design Ideas for Your Primary Suite
Tip #1. Clever Storage Solutions
When updating a small bedroom, we believe that effective storage solutions are key to maintaining a clutter-free and organized space. Afterall, your primary bedroom should feel serene and like the ultimate oasis. Our team of design experts have pulled together a few of their top ideas to help you make the most out of every inch:
Under-Bed Storage
Utilize the space under your bed by opting for a bed frame with built-in drawers or investing in stylish storage bins that can slide underneath. This is the perfect spot to tuck away extra bedding and out of season clothing.
Vertical Shelving
Install tall, narrow shelves or bookcases to take advantage of vertical space. Use these shelves to display decor items while storing books, accessories, or even folded clothes. Remember that tall items like vertical shelving can help to draw the eye up and make the space feel larger.
Wall-Mounted Solutions
Similarly, wall-mounted shelves can achieve the same heightening effect without investing in a piece of furniture. This small space storage idea helps to keep items off the floor and free up valuable space. Plus, it’s totally customizable.
Multi-Functional Furniture
Choose furniture pieces that serve dual purposes, such as a bedside table with drawers and a charging dock or a storage bench that can also act as seating at the foot of the bed.
Hidden Storage
Many décor companies offer small space-friendly furniture now with hidden storage features. For example, beds with lift-up mattresses and upholstered chairs and chaise lounges with drawers and hidden compartments.
These storage solutions are the perfect way to keep your small bedroom organized without sacrificing style.
Tip #2: Choosing the Right Color Palette
The color palette you choose for your small bedroom can significantly impact how spacious it feels. This goes beyond simply your wall color and includes upholstery, accent pillows, window treatments and rugs. Opting for the right color palette can create visual depth and make the room appear larger than it is. Here are some color recommendations from our design team:
Light and Airy Tones
Our designers recommend sticking to a palette of light colors such as soft whites, pale blues, or light greys for the walls, ceiling, and larger furniture pieces. These hues reflect natural light and create an open, airy feel.
Monochromatic Color Scheme
Similarly, consider a monochromatic color scheme with varying shades of the same color. This creates a cohesive look and prevents the space from feeling too busy. Plus, curating your design in shades of a single color helps to achieve a curated, layered effect.
Accent Colors
You can still have fun with color! Introduce pops of color through accent pieces like throw pillows, curtains, artwork, rugs, and small décor items. We love to incorporate houseplants to breathe life and a bit of color into a small bedroom.
Mirrors
This design trick is tried and true: incorporate mirrors strategically to bounce light around the room and create the illusion of depth. Our team recommends placing a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light and make the room feel brighter and more expansive. This trick is especially important during those gloomy Seattle winters we all know so well.
By making strategic design choices, you can visually enhance your small bedroom to achieve a sense of openness.
Tip #3: Tricks to Make the Space Feel Taller
In a small bedroom, vertical space is your best friend when it comes to creating a feeling of height. Remember that it’s all about tricking the eye into believing the room is taller than it actually is. Here are some easy design tricks to make your space feel taller:
Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains
Hang curtains high above the window frame and let them drape all the way to the floor, leaving a slight puddle of fabric at the bottom. This design trick draws the eye upward and gives the illusion of higher ceilings with minimal effort.
Vertical Stripes
Incorporate vertical stripes in your decor, such as painted tonal wide stripes. These lines elongate the walls and create a sense of height. While stripes aren’t always for everyone, it’s possible to achieve the same effect with vertically patterned wallpaper instead.
A Tall Headboard
Not only does a tall headboard add a touch of drama to the space, it helps to create an anchor. We recommend choosing a tall headboard for your bed to draw attention upward and add visual interest to the room. Opt for a headboard with vertical elements or statement upholstery for extra wow factor.
Low-Profile Furniture
While we’re on the topic of furniture, low profile furniture creates more visual space above the piece. It’s an easy way to sneakily trick the eye! On the other hand, avoid bulky or oversized pieces that can make the room feel cramped.
Vertical Artwork Arrangement
Last, but not least, arrange artwork in a vertical orientation to guide the eye upward. Consider a gallery wall with vertically aligned frames or single large vertical art piece. You can also incorporate mirrors into your art grouping.
By incorporating these design tips and tricks, you can visually elongate your small bedroom and create a more spacious ambiance.
With these tips and tricks in your back pocket, transforming your small bedroom into a functional and cozy space is achievable with the right design approach. In summary, incorporate clever storage solutions, choose a light and airy color palette, and choose décor to make the space feel taller. With these ideas, your primary suite can become a chic retreat that maximizes every inch of space.
Ready to talk about your small bedroom project with our design team? Fill out our contact form to tell us more about your remodeling needs to get started!
